Nameplate

Last updated
Belgian and Dutch street nameplates on the border Taxandriastraat.jpg
Belgian and Dutch street nameplates on the border
Manufacturer's details on a plate on a bridge in Krakow, Poland Krakow-Zieleniewski bridge.jpg
Manufacturer's details on a plate on a bridge in Kraków, Poland
Type label behind the handlebar on a Yamaha motorcycle Type label of motorbike Yamaha XJ 600S.jpg
Type label behind the handlebar on a Yamaha motorcycle

A nameplate identifies and displays a person or product's name. Nameplates are usually shaped as rectangles but are also seen in other shapes, sometimes taking on the shape of someone's written name. Nameplates primarily serve an informative function (as in an office environment, where nameplates mounted on doors or walls identify employees' spaces) or a commercial role (as in a retail environment, where nameplates are mounted on products to identify the brand). Whereas name tags tend to be worn on uniforms or clothing, nameplates tend to be mounted onto an object (e.g. cars, amplification devices) or physical space (e.g. doors, walls, or desktops). Nameplates are also distinct from name plaques. Plaques have larger dimensions and aim to communicate more information than a name and title.

Contents

Office nameplates

Office nameplates generally are made out of plastic, wood, metals (stainless steel, brass, aluminium, zinc, copper) and usually contain one or two lines of text. The standard format for an office nameplate is to display a person's name on the first line and a person's job title on the second line. It is common for organizations to request nameplates that exclude the job title. The primary reasons for excluding job titles are to extend the longevity of a nameplate and to promote a culture of meritocracy, where the strength of one's thoughts are not connected to one's job title. Nameplates without job titles have longer lives because someone can reuse the same nameplate after changing job titles. It is rare for an office nameplate to contain three or more lines of text. Although office nameplates range in size, the most popular nameplate size is 2 by 8 inches (5.08 cm × 20.32 cm). Office nameplates typically are made out of plastic. This is because plastic is an inexpensive material relative to wood and metal. More expensive nameplates can be manufactured out of bronze. To promote consistency, organizations tend to use the same style nameplate for all employees. This helps to achieve a standard look. Office nameplates are not restricted to for-profit enterprises. Many non-profit and governmental agencies have a need for nameplates. For plastic and wooden nameplates, the names are etched into the material through a number of processes, including mechanical engraving, laser engraving, or whittling.

Personal nameplates

Nameplates are also popular for personal reasons. Parents often like to adorn the doors of their children's rooms with nameplates. These nameplates are conventionally crafted out of wood, not plastic or metal. Because the nameplates are meant for children, these personal nameplates tend to come in fun shapes. Examples of fun shapes include teddy bears, bluebirds, dogs, and the child's name. These nameplates also tend to be more colorful than office nameplates. Mounting options are either by nail or by adhesive. Wooden nameplates are not normally glued onto doors, as the glue may leave a messy residue and make it harder to remove the nameplate. Larger personal nameplates also include graphics or artwork, such as a horse or a baseball bat, that match the interests of the identified person. The graphics or artwork reinforce the individuality and personalization established by the nameplate.

There is a growing trend to use nameplates for vanity purposes. In these cases, the nameplates are fashioned out of gold, silver, or other metals and worn as a form of jewellery. These nameplates are similar to vanity plates found on automobiles. They are available in a multitude of styles and colors, ranging from bronze to pink. Most commonly, these vanity nameplates are worn as necklaces or bracelets.

Nameplate holders

Nameplates are usually sold as two separate components: the manufactured nameplate insert and the nameplate holder. This setup allows the nameplate insert to be used in a variety of settings depending on the specific holder—the same plastic, wood, or metal nameplate insert can usually be removed and reinserted into another holder style with minimal effort; thereby creating a new nameplate application. Various nameplate holders range from wall and door mounts, desk holders, to cubicle hangers.

Nameplates on products

Nameplate of a reverberation device Reverb-6.jpg
Nameplate of a reverberation device
Nameplate of a Huanghai bus Data plate of 83085@Lugu (20051210121837).JPG
Nameplate of a Huanghai bus

Nameplates are used on many products to designate the producer, the brand, and/or the product name, as well as properties of the product such as power and mass. Additionally, they may be placed on a product for decorative value, for placement of product information (e.g. serial code), or for approval/recognition (e.g. an endorsement by a governing body). When strategically placed on a product, nameplates often extend the impact of a logo or brand and heighten the connection to the value of the product. Many nameplates must meet certain requirements for print life, and environmental tolerances base on location or environment the product might be used in.

Nameplates differ from labels in that they are usually designed for long term product marking. They are usually under printed on some sort of transparent material with an industrial grade adhesive or mechanical attachment.

Modern manufacturing processes allow for diverse styles of nameplate design. Nameplates can be two- or three-dimensional; made of various metals (aluminum, zinc), stainless steel or brass, human-made materials (e.g. Mylar or Vinyl polymers) or injection-molded plastic; and thickness, color, and size can all be customized. Additional design features and production techniques common to nameplate manufacturing include etching, branding, and engraving. [1]

Nameplates can be mounted or bound to the object that they are labeling by rivets, screws, or adhesive.

Graphic overlay nameplates

Graphic overlay nameplates are constructed from hard-coated polycarbonate, hard-coated polyester or UV resistant polyester. Graphic overlay nameplates differ from generic nameplates in that they feature transparent windows, selective texturing, embossing, abrasion protection and chemical resistance. A graphic overlay is usually over some sort of LEDs, windows, switch, or control panel.

A graphic overlay is a screen or digitally printed product incorporating processes such as embossing, selective texturing and transparent display windows. Not only does a graphic overlay provide aesthetic appeal to a device, but it can also provide environmental protection. A graphic overlay can be used in an assembly using discrete switches or laminated to a membrane switch.

Nameplates used in industry

Industrial strength nameplates are required to withstand harsher operating environments compared to those used in the home and office. All industries that require long term product identification or marking used nameplates for branding, identification, instructions, and other marketings. Industrial nameplate manufacturers can offer a variety of different nameplates for a wide range of applications. The properties of the nameplates that vary from application to application include: Material (including aluminum, stainless steel, brass, zinc, Copper or titanium), thickness, Custom Graphics, Screen printing, Etching, and Anodizing, Photosensitive Anodized Aluminum, Adhesive backing, UL and CSA approval, Serialization, Military Standards and Embossing. The Japanese term for nameplate in industrial use is meiban (銘板).

A motor nameplate typically states the power rating in horsepower or watts as well as the full load amperage and rated voltage among other specifications.

Rail transport usage

Nameplate of BR steam locomotive no. 6023 King Edward II 6023 Didcot (5).jpg
Nameplate of BR steam locomotive no. 6023

In rail transport, a nameplate is a plate attached to a locomotive or other item of rolling stock that carries a name. Nameplates are often collected as memorabilia.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Etching</span> Intaglio printmaking technique

Etching is traditionally the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio (incised) in the metal. In modern manufacturing, other chemicals may be used on other types of material. As a method of printmaking, it is, along with engraving, the most important technique for old master prints, and remains in wide use today. In a number of modern variants such as microfabrication etching and photochemical milling, it is a crucial technique in modern technology, including circuit boards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Screen printing</span> Printing technique

Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. One colour is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multi-coloured image or design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flexography</span> Form of printing process

Flexography is a form of printing process which utilizes a flexible relief plate. It is essentially a modern version of letterpress, evolved with high speed rotary functionality, which can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic films, cellophane, and paper. It is widely used for printing on the non-porous substrates required for various types of food packaging.

A spatula is a broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread and lift material including foods, drugs, plaster and paints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamination</span> Technique of fusing layers of material

Lamination is the technique/process of manufacturing a material in multiple layers, so that the composite material achieves improved strength, stability, sound insulation, appearance, or other properties from the use of the differing materials, such as plastic. A laminate is a permanently assembled object created using heat, pressure, welding, or adhesives. Various coating machines, machine presses and calendering equipment are used.

A cup holder is a device, such as a zarf, to hold a cup or other drinking vessel. It may be free standing to hold cups securely on a desk or other flat surface, or in a tree style to store sets of cups in kitchens. They may be built into automobiles or chairs, or fixed to the walls of airplanes, boats, buses and trains.

Photoengraving is a process that uses a light-sensitive photoresist applied to the surface to be engraved to create a mask that protects some areas during a subsequent operation which etches, dissolves, or otherwise removes some or all of the material from the unshielded areas of a substrate. Normally applied to metal, it can also be used on glass, plastic and other materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Label</span> Material affixed to a container or article with printed information

A label is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about the product or item. Information printed directly on a container or article can also be considered labelling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">String (music)</span> Sound producing musical instrument component

A string is the vibrating element of string instruments such as the guitar, harp, piano, and the violin family, that produces sound. Strings are lengths of a flexible material that a musical instrument holds under tension so that they can vibrate freely, but with control. There are two main kinds of strings; plain and wound. "Plain" strings are simply one piece of cylindrical material, while "wound" strings have a central core, plus another material which is tightly wound around the string. This is to make the string vibrate at the desired pitch, while maintaining a low profile and sufficient flexibility to play in action.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Membrane switch</span>

A membrane switch is a custom switch assembly that can open or close the conducting path in an electrical circuit and requires at least one contact made of or attached to a flexible substrate. Its assembly differs from traditional mechanical switches: a membrane switch's construction consists of various thin layers sandwiched together using pressure-sensitive adhesives. Each layer in a membrane switch assembly serves a different purpose, and custom features require the addition of specialty layers. Typical implementations arrange multiple membrane switches across its layered structure to form a keypad interface that allows human interaction to control electronic systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tread plate</span>

Tread plate, also known as checker plate and diamondplate, is a type of metal stock with a regular pattern or lines on one side for slip resistance. The most common alloy used for aluminium tread plate is 6061, although 5086-H34 and 3003-H231 are also used. Diamond plate is usually steel, stainless steel or aluminium. Steel types are normally made by hot rolling, although modern manufacturers also make a raised and pressed diamond design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pickguard</span>

A pickguard is a piece of plastic or other material that is placed on the body of a guitar, mandolin or similar plucked string instrument. The main purpose of the pickguard is to protect the guitar's finish from being scratched by the nails of the picking hand, as it was included on guitars not played with a plectrum. The pick does not normally contact that part of the guitar when used correctly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flashing (weatherproofing)</span> Construction technique

Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier system. In modern buildings, flashing is intended to decrease water penetration at objects such as chimneys, vent pipes, walls, windows and door openings to make buildings more durable and to reduce indoor mold problems. Metal flashing materials include lead, aluminium, copper, stainless steel, zinc alloy, and other materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pet tag</span>

A dog tag, cat tag, pet ID tag, or pet tag is a small flat tag worn on pets' collars or harnesses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Countertop</span> Horizontal work surface

A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop or kitchen bench, bunker is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface. They are built for work in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. The surface is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets, positioned at an ergonomic height for the user and the particular task for which it is designed. A countertop may be constructed of various materials with different attributes of functionality, durability and aesthetics, and may have built-in appliances, or accessory items relative to the intended application.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wine rack</span> Equipment for the organized storage of wine bottles

A wine rack is a set of shelves for the organized storage of wine. Wine racks can be built out of a number of different materials. The size of the rack and the number of bottles it can hold can vary widely. Wine racks can be located in a winemaker’s professional wine cellar as well as private homes for personal collections.

Marinisation is design, redesign, or testing of products for use in a marine environment. Most commonly, it refers to use and long-term survival in harsh, highly corrosive salt water conditions. Marinisation is done by many manufacturing industries worldwide including many military organisations, especially navies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Release liner</span>

A release liner or release paper is a paper or plastic-based film sheet used to prevent a sticky surface from prematurely adhering. It is coated on one or both sides with a release agent, which provides a release effect against any type of a sticky material such as an adhesive or a mastic. Release liners are available in different colors, with or without printing under the low surface energy coating or on the backside of the liner. Release is separation of the liner from a sticky material; liner is the carrier for the release agent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Materials for use in vacuum</span>

Materials for use in vacuum are materials that show very low rates of outgassing in vacuum and, where applicable, are tolerant to bake-out temperatures. The requirements grow increasingly stringent with the desired degree of vacuum to be achieved in the vacuum chamber. The materials can produce gas by several mechanisms. Molecules of gases and water can be adsorbed on the material surface. Materials may sublimate in vacuum. Or the gases can be released from porous materials or from cracks and crevices. Traces of lubricants, residues from machining, can be present on the surfaces. A specific risk is outgassing of solvents absorbed in plastics after cleaning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cigarette receptacle</span> Container for discarding cigarette waste

A cigarette receptacle is a container or device for extinguishing and disposing of cigarette waste. Other common names for cigarette receptacles include: ash urns, ash pans, cigarette butt receptacles, butt bins, butt holders, snuffers, smokers poles, cigarette waste receptacles, smokers waste receptacles, and ash/trash combinations. Originally provided as a courtesy to smokers in public places, cigarette receptacles are now commonplace as smoking bans and designated smoking areas require proper disposal methods. A typical receptacle can hold hundreds — even thousands — of disposed cigarette butts.

References